Overview
Washington STP 1 serves approximately 6,038 people in Washington, Illinois, treating municipal wastewater before discharge. The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program.
Washington STP 1 is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois, serving a population of about 6,038 residents. The facility is part of the local infrastructure managed by the city or a designated operator, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. As a small-to-medium agglomeration, the plant is expected to provide at least secondary treatment under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which mandates such treatment for municipal discharges to protect water quality. The plant's discharge is regulated through an NPDES permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, specifying effluent limits and monitoring requirements. The treated effluent is discharged into a local receiving water body, likely a tributary of the Illinois River, which flows into the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. This drainage network supports diverse aquatic life and is important for regional water quality and ecosystem health.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into a local stream that drains into the Illinois River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River basin supports a wide range of aquatic species and is a critical migratory corridor for birds and fish. Downstream, the river flows into the Gulf of Mexico, where nutrient pollution from upstream sources can contribute to hypoxic zones. Proper treatment at plants like Washington STP 1 helps reduce nutrient loads and protect downstream ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Washington STP 1 is located in Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois, United States, near Trail End.
The plant serves approximately 6,038 people in the Washington area.
The treated effluent is discharged into a local receiving water body, likely a tributary of the Illinois River, which flows into the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.
The plant operates under the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires an NPDES permit for discharges. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issues and enforces these permits, setting effluent limits to protect water quality.
For small-to-medium agglomerations like this, secondary treatment is standard under the Clean Water Act. This involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, ensuring the effluent meets federal and state standards.
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